Hey everyone, my name is Austin, and welcome
back to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith
Podcast. If this is your first time joining us,
thank you for tuning in. If you've been here
before, welcome back, and thank you for letting
me be part of your morning, afternoon, or evening.
Today we're going to be talking about the milestones
and how not reheaching these milestones can have
a negative impact on us. It's almost as if there's
an unspoken script that we all are expected to
follow. You know the one I'm talking about. graduate
college, land a stable job, climb the corporate
ladder, buy a house, and so on. But what happens
when you find yourself feeling out of place in
this narrative? What if your dreams look different?
So let's dive in and I hope to inspire you and
offer fresh perspectives that resonate with your
own unique experiences. If you like to take notes,
I encourage it. And also have your Bible out
because we'll be diving into some scripture.
and let's get started. Have you ever felt that
nagging pressure to check off certain boxes by
a certain age? Maybe it's getting married by
your late 20s, landing that dream job in your
early 30s, or having kids before you hit a certain
milestone. Society has a way of placing these
milestones on a pedestal, creating an unwritten
timeline that can leave us feeling inadequate
or lost. Especially when our journeys don't align
with those expectations. Have you ever caught
yourself scrolling through Seho Shomi and feeling
something of envy or inadequacy? You're not alone.
The first thing I want you to remember is that
comparison is the thief of all joy. When we focus
on what others are doing, we can lose sight of
our unique journey. Today's episode is inspired
by Ecclesiastes 3 .138. So if you have your Bibles,
Please turn there. Ecclesiastes 3, 1 -8 tells
us that there is a time and a place for everything.
There is a season and a time for every matter
under the sun. The author of Ecclesiastes, King
Solomon, goes on to outline the various seasons
of lifetimes to be born, to die, to weep, to
laugh. And it's a poetic reminder that life is
always happening, composed of different phases,
each with its own significance. Think about it.
The beauty of spring doesn't diminish the value
of winter, even if winter can feel long and harsh.
Unless if you live in Texas then winter is about
two weeks long. Similarly, our struggles often
pave the way for growth, resilience, and a deeper
understanding of ourselves. So why was Ecclesiastes
written? Anyone? Ecclesiastes was written to
encourage people to live by God's wisdom. to
warn people against following human wisdom. You
see, Solomon asked God for one thing. The only
thing he wanted was wisdom, and even he couldn't
handle the power of what he had requested. Ecclesiastes
was also written to show that life is temporary
and fleeting. It also shows us that true meaning
comes from God and not things of this world.
What season are you currently in? Are you in
a time of growth, of waiting, of healing? Ecclesiastes
and teaches us that there is a divine purpose
in every season. Just as the world changes with
time, so do our lives. Yet, society often tries
to impose a strict timeline on us, frequently
leading to a sense of urgency, usually leaving
us feeling depressed when we don't measure up
to those set expectations. We often find ourselves
comparing our journey to someone else's highlight
reel, which can lead to the healings of inadequacy
or frustration. But what if I told you that those
feelings are completely normal? What if we embrace
the notion that life is not a linear path, but
rather a winding road full of unexpected detours?
Believe it or not, the comparison game that we
all fall into hardly has to do with the impact
of social media. Social media has a chokehold
on our perceptions of success. Why is that? It's
easy to feel like we're falling short when we
see others achieving milestones we aspire to.
But let's ask ourselves, what does success mean
to us? Is it the number of likes on a post, or
is it something much deeper, like living authentically,
experiencing joy, or nurturing meaningful relationships?
We live in a world that often glorifies certain
milestones. Social media is a constant reminder
of what others are achieving, with headings,
promotions, new homes, and growing families.
While it's wonderful to celebrate the highs of
life, It can also become a source of comparison,
making us question our paths. You're not where
you want to be. You feel like you're supposed
to be somewhere else, but what if you could snap
your fingers and be exactly where you want to
be? I bet you still feel like you're not where
you're supposed to be. It seems pretty unfulfilling
to be able to snap your fingers and be where
you want to be. It's like reading a book and
skipping to the end to discover what happens.
What's the point of that? The fact is, you can't
get so hung up on where you'd rather be that
you forget how to make the most of where you
are. Take a break from worrying about what you
can't control and focus on what you can control.
If you're so worried about where you want to
be in your life, it's impossible to be present.
What does finding contentment look like? Let's
explore some practical strategies to embrace
where we are right now. First and foremost, practice
gratitude. Being a gratitude journal can truly
shift your perspective. Each day, jot down three
things you're thankful for. This simple act can
help you recognize the blessings in your currency
season rather than fixating on what you're missing.
Secondly, embrace your timeline. Write down your
dreams and aspirations, but don't tie them to
a specific age or day or deadline. Life isn't
a race. It's a journey. Each of us has a unique
path designed for us. The beauty of this journey
is that it's filled with twists and turns that
shape us into who we are meant to be. Next, cultivate
patience. Patience is a virtue, but let's be
honest, it's not always easy. In a world of instant
gratification, waiting can feel like an eternity.
But remember, good things come to those who wait.
Sometimes the most beautiful blessings take time
to unfold. Trust that your season will come.
Lastly, connect with your community. Surround
yourself with people who uplift and encourage
you. Sharing your struggles and triumphs with
others can provide a sense of belonging and support.
You'll realize that you're not alone in your
feelings, and together you can celebrate each
other's unique journeys. Time is a concept. It's
not a real thing. Ancient civilizations developed
this concept of time based on the sun's position.
The location of where the sun is shouldn't dictate
where you feel like you're behind in life or
not. Think about that for a moment. Did you know
that a variety of factors can shape our perspective
of time? Studies show that time can feel like
it's flying by when we're engaged in activities
we love or when we're busy, while it may drag
on during moments of boredom or discomfort. This
phenomenon reveals that time isn't just a ticking
clock. It's a personal experience shaped by our
emotions and engagement with the world. As we
reflect on this, let's delve into a deeper philosophical
question. What would existence be like without
time? Imagine a reality where we exist beyond
the constraints of minutes and hours. If we remove
the pressures of deadlines and appointments,
how would that shift our perspective on life?
Would we find more joy on the present moment?
What are relationships teaching? Unrestricted
by the ticking of a clock. This is where we can
find inspiration. Instead of being slaves to
our schedules, we can embrace the beauty of now.
Here are some tips to help shift your focus away
from clock watching and into living fully. Number
one is practice mindfulness. Take a few moments
each day to sit in silence. Focus on your breath.
the sensation in your body and the world around
you. This practice helps ground you in the present.
Number two, engage in flow activities. Find activities
that completely absorb your attention, whether
it's painting, dancing, or hiking. When you're
in a flow state, time becomes irrelevant and
you're fully immersed in the experience. Number
three, limit screen time. In our fast -paced
digital age, Screens can dominate our perceptions
of time, setting boundaries for device usage,
allowing yourself to connect more authentically
with the people in the world around you. 4. Cultivate
gratitude. At the end of each day, reflect on
three things you are grateful for. This simple
practice shifts your focus from time and something
away, to appreciating the moments that matter.
5. Connect with nature. time outside, whether
you're walking in the park or hiking the mountains.
Nature reminds us that life unfolds in its rhythm,
free from the constraints we often impose. As
we navigate this journey of existence, let's
embrace the idea that time is a construct and
how we perceive it can be transformed. By focusing
on the present, we can create a life filled with
richness. So let's challenge ourselves to step
away from the clock today. Live in the moment.
Experience life as it unfolds. For instance,
did you know that our emotional state can significantly
alter our perception of time? When we're happy
or engaged in something we love, time seems to
slip away. But during moments of fear or anxiety,
those seconds can feel like hours. It's almost
as if our brains are playing tricks on us, isn't
it? But what if we took a step back and started
to think about time from a philosophical perspective?
Imagine a world without time. How would that
change our existence? It raises profound questions.
What does it mean to live without the pressures
of minutes ticking away? Can we find a sense
of being that transcends? These thoughts can
be both liberating and daunting. They challenge
us to rethink our relationship with time and
the way we could structure our lives. In a world
so fixated on schedules and deadlines. It can
be refreshing to ponder the idea of existing
in the timeless state, where we fully immerse
ourselves in each moment, unburdened by the weight
of time. Remember, life isn't just about making
time. It's about making time meaningful. So let's
challenge ourselves to live each moment fully,
appreciating our experiences rather than rushing
through them. In a world that often equates success
with a title or a paycheck, it's easy to lose
sight of what truly matters, your definition
of fulfillment. According to a recent study,
many people report feeling unfulfilled despite
achieving societal milestones. Why is that? I
believe it stems from a disconnect between our
external achievements and our internal desires.
We can often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind
of expectations leading to a fully leading to
a feeling of being trapped in a life that doesn't
feel authentic to us. Don't mistake external
achievement for internal desire. While you're
at it, make sure your internal desire is high
enough with your external achievements. Ask yourself,
is this what I really want? If you answer yes
to that, you're going to feel 100 % more fulfilled.
So let's take a moment to reflect. What does
success mean to you? Is it the corner office
or is it waking up excited about the day ahead?
Is it the awards or the ability to make a difference
in someone's life? Understanding and defining
success on your terms can be liberating. It allows
you to break free from societal molds and create
a life that will resonate with your authentic
self. So I encourage you right now to jot down
a few things about success. What success looks
like for you. Remember, this is your journey,
and there's no right or wrong answer. Now let's
transition to a concept that I think is particularly
exciting. Plan spontaneity. It almost sounds
like an oxymoron, doesn't it? How can we plan
spontaneity? I've had to learn and develop this
concept for myself because I'm by no means a
spontaneous person. The truth is that life is
unpredictable, and while we can't control every
aspect, And while we can't control every twist
and turn, we can cultivate an environment that
encourages spontaneous joy and creativity. I
took one coding class in my junior year of high
school, and I really enjoyed it. I thought that
one day I'd get a job in computer science. Coming
out of high school, I wanted a job where I could
make six figures, and computer science seemed
like that was it at the time. I didn't even take
an advanced math class in college before I...
figured out that wasn't going to work for me.
I mean, what was I thinking? I'm awful at math.
English was something I was always good at. I
was that nerd in your English class who was excited
to write a 1 ,000 -word essay while the rest
of the class was moaning and grunting. Later
on in my collegiate career, I took a mehidia
writing class. the class that teaches you how
to write for a newspaper magazine. My professor
announced that the school newspaper was hiring,
and I quickly jumped onto the opportunity. At
first it was difficult. After all, I was essentially
learning as I went, because I was taking the
class while doing the job. I fell in love with
it, and that's the story about how I ended up
in journalism. By planning spontaneity, we opened
ourselves up to the opportunity that can reignite
our passion and curiosity. Life can become a
series of delightful surprises rather than a
monotonous routine. I know this may sound like
an oxymoron, but how can you incorporate planned
spontaneity in your life? Here are a few suggestions.
Number one, schedule an unstructured time. Create
a block of time in your calendar for spontaneous
activities. Leave it open -ended. Number two,
make a bucket list. Write down activities You've
always wanted to try and pull one out at random
when you're looking for something to do. 3. Invite
friends. Sometimes having friends join you can
make spontaneous activities even more fun. Plan
a monthly adventure night where you all take
turns choosing what to do. 4. Stay open -minded.
Embrace the unexpected when an opportunity arises.
Consider it, even if it's out of your comfort
zone. Number five, get out of your comfort zone.
You'd be surprised about how fun spontaneous
activities will be when you do it with friends.
I think one of the biggest challenges we face
in the world is, I think one of the biggest challenges
we face is the fear of change, of letting go
of something we often once loved. But here's
the thing, clinging to outdated interests can
hold us back from discovering new joys. When
was the last time you tried something completely
new? Maybe you had a hobby that you haven't touched
in years because life got busy, or perhaps you've
been hesitant to explore a different career path
because you're afraid to deviate from what you've
always known. But here's the thing, evolving
interests can lead to profound fulfillment. They
can open doors to new communities, experiences,
and opportunities that you never imagined. For
example, I've seen friends who once pursued careers
in finance, transitioned to the arts, and finding
incredible success and happiness. They discovered
that their true passion lay in creativity, not
numbers. So how can you embrace your evolving
interests? Here are a few tips. Number one, reflect
regularly. Take time to assess what you love
and what you've outgrown. Journaling can... can
be an effective way to track your thoughts and
feelings. Number two, experiment. Don't be afraid
to try new things, even if they're outside your
usual realm. Take a cooking class or join a local
hiking group. It's all about exploration. Number
three, be patient. Understand that discovering
new interests is a process. Give yourself grace
as you navigate this journey. Number four, connect
with others. Surround yourself with people who
support your growth. Share your evolving interests
and invite them to join you on this journey.
When was the last time you celebrated a small
victory in your life? Maybe it was getting out
of bed on a rough day, completing a project,
or simply being present for a friend in need.
Success doesn't always look grand. Sometimes
it's found in the everyday moments that fill
our lives. Let's take a moment to consider mindfulness
practices that can help us embrace our current
situation, regardless of how far we feel from
our envisioned path. One practice I find incredibly
grounding is the act of journaling. Taking the
time to write down your thoughts and feelings
can help us gain clarity and perspective. It
allows us to articulate our experiences and reflect
on what truly matters to us. Another helpful
practice is grounding ourselves in nature. whether
it's a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains,
or simply sitting outside. Being in nature can
remind us of the beauty of the rhythm of life.
It connects us to the present moment, allowing
us to appreciate where we are right now, instead
of fixating on where we think we should be. I
encourage you to find mindfulness practice that
works for you. It can be meditation, yoga, or
even creative expression through art or music.
The key is to create space for yourself to breathe
and to simply be. Now let's circle back to Ecclesiastes.
It speaks to the inevitability of change and
the importance of acceptance. Life is filled
with seasons, each with its lessons and opportunities
for growth. As we navigate these unpredictable
journeys, it's essential to cultivate a mindset
of acceptance, accepting where we are. who we
are and trusting that we're exactly where we
need to be in this moment. Think about a time
in your life where you faced a detour. Perhaps
it felt frustrating or disappointing at the time.
But looking back, you can see how that detour
led you to something beautiful or transformative.
I want to invite you to consider this question.
What lesson has a detour taught you? Maybe it
was a change in career, a shift in relationships,
or a challenge that turned into an opportunity.
Reflecting on these moments can reveal the underlying
beauty in life's unpredictability. In a fast
-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the
hustle of everyday life, striving for achievements
and accolades. But what if we redefine success?
What if we measured our worth, not by society
standards, but by our values and experiences?
Well, let's take a moment to pause and re - Let's
take a moment to pause and reflect on what fulfillment
means to you. Is it about chasing after achievements?
Or is it about nurturing relationships, pursuing
passions, and being true to yourself? Let me
tell you something. You know how many times I
threatened to quit college. More times than I'd
like to admit. But it's gonna be a hell of a
feeling when I walk across that stage knowing
that I made it. Sometimes when we focus on the
little details of a picture or a work of art.
it's hard to understand what's going on. But
if we take a step back, we can see the picture
or work of art in its entirety, and we can appreciate
it more. The same concept can be applied to our
daily lives. But when we focus on each accomplishment
separately, it's easy to get frustrated and think
to ourselves that we haven't done much. But when
we step back and look at our lives as a whole,
we can see the bigger picture. What if we approach
our lives with a sense of wonder rather than
comparison? What if we allowed ourselves to be
fully present, celebrating each small victory
along the way? There are a lot of questions to
consider. Do we have what it takes to uncover
the answers? I mean, that's what life is all
about, right? Answering life's biggest questions.
Thank you for joining me today on this episode
of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. I hope you got
something out of today's discussion. and are
feeling inspired to embrace your current circumstances
and redefine your perception of success and fulfillment.
As we wrap up today's episode, I want to leave
you with something to reflect on. Life is not
a sprint. It is a leisurely walk through the
park filled with endless possibilities. Create
yourself the freedom to redefine your definition
of success. Welcome to continuity and allow your
interests to evolve. Every step you take contributes
to the extraordinary narrative of your life,
a story that deserves to be lived authentically.
Perhaps you may not be exactly where you envision
yourself, but have you considered that your present
position is possibly far better than where you
once bestowed? Maybe you feel prepared for the
fate for the next phase of life, but have you
considered that the next phase in your life isn't
ready for you? Until next time. Keep seeking
those fresh perspectives, live in the moment,
and don't let societal pressures dictate your
next season.